For the occasion of Piasa’s sale of 19th-21st Century Sculpture on June 3, the courtyard of the Paris townhouse occupied by the auction house will be transformed into a sculpture garden showcasing the most impressive pieces on offer.

The array of indoor and outdoor works includes the centerpiece “L’Implorante” by French sculptor Camille Claudel, which illustrates her relationship with Auguste Rodin (est: €200,000-300,000/$217,500-326,250).

“L’Implorante” is part of a monumental three-figure group named “L’Age Mûr,” meaning “maturity,” that speaks to romantic separation. Claudel’s self-portrayal offers an idealized vision of youth, presenting her personal story as tragedy. Rodin served as her master and mentor, 24 years her elder, eventually ending their relationship when he left to return to his longstanding mistress Rose Beuret.

Piasa’s offered work was cast during Claudel’s lifetime and unlike most versions of the piece, the base is made of granite rather than bronze.

Other sale highlights include work by Jean-Gabriel Chavin, the precursor of abstract sculpture in France. His “Grand Sphinx” estimated at €20,000-25,000 ($21,750-27,187) was shown at the 1954 Venice Biennale and blends stylized Art Deco with uncompromising formal abstraction.

“Femme à l’Oiseau” is another highly regarded work up for auction by Henri Laurens who transposed the principles of Cubist painting to sculpture. The rigorously geometric, multilayered structure reflects the artistic upheaval of the early 20th century and is valued at €40,000-60,000 ($43,500-65,250).

Other works include an untitled steel sculpture by Franco-Italian Berto Lardera estimated at €50,000-60,000 ($54,375-65,250), the iconic “Red Flowerpot” by Jean-Pierre Raynad estimated at €60,000-80,000 ($65,250-87,000), and Holland’s Ben Swildens’ “Black Wave” estimated at €20,000-30,000 ($21,750-32,625) that revisits the principles of sculpture that brought him to fame.

Piasa's 19th-21st Century Sculpture sale will take place June 3, 2015 at 3 p.m. at 118 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.